reid are trying to pass a tax hike in the senate. a tax hike that the nonpartisan c.b.o. says will increase our deficit for the next two years. it seems that instead of solving the problem, president obama and his allies are only making it worse. mr. speaker, it's time to get serious about the $3 billion we borrow every day and cut spending in a responsible way that saves the american dream and keeps our national security strong. i yield back. the speaker pro tempore: the gentleman yields back. for what purpose does the gentleman from california seek recognition? >> i ask unanimous consent to address the house for one minute, revise and extend my remarks. the speaker pro tempore: without objection. >> again, thank you, mr. speaker. unless we do something, friday will be a day that none of us will want to see but that very few of us seem to have the colonel or convention to prevent. mr. lowenthal: today, we have two options. devastating meat cleaver cuts or political courage. last week in my district i met with leadership of the lows